Libya apologises for bombing of ship

Tuesday, January 06, 2015

Fighter jets dispatched by Libya’s internationally recognised government bombed a Greek-owned tanker ship at an eastern city controlled by Islamist extremists, killing two crew members and wounding two, Libyan and Greek officials said.

The bombing highlights the chaos that has gripped Libya since the 2011 civil war that deposed and killed dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Libyan officials apologised for the bombing as the Greek foreign ministry demanded compensation for the victims’ families and punishment for those behind the attack.

Libyan military spokesman Ahmed Mesmari said jets struck the Liberian-flagged Araevo twice in Darna before his government learned the vessel was commissioned by the local power station. Darna is a base for Islamic extremists who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

“We had no information (about the tanker). We treated it as a dangerous and suspicious target that threatens national security,” Mr Mesmari said. “We regret the loss of lives.”